‘Britons to priortise value for money this Christmas’

Consumers will be prioritizing value for money and will be thoughtful while gifting this festive season, as they are planning to be more organised in the face of rising costs and inflation, says a recent new report. 

According to eBay Ads UK’s latest Christmas Spend Trends research report, shoppers are set to prioritise gifts that add value to their loved ones’ lives. Over half (56 percent) plan to buy thoughtful gifts for friends and family this year. Meanwhile, three in ten (30 percent) say they plan to buy functional gifts and almost a quarter (23 percent) will buy essential items for presents, suggesting a preference for purchasing gifts that are useful at a time when many Brits are struggling to afford everyday items.  

Six in ten consumers (60 percent) report that good value for money is the most important factor when it comes to shopping for Christmas goods this year as inflation prompts people to tighten their purse strings. Three in ten (29 percent) Brits say they are planning to spend less on Christmas this year, with gift giving looking set to bear the brunt, as almost a third of consumers (31 percent) say they plan to buy fewer gifts this year compared to last. Festive frivolities will also take a hit, with a quarter (24 percent) intending to spend less on Christmas celebration items such as food, decorations and parties. 

With the cost of living in mind it’s no surprise that consumers’ Christmas spirits have been dampened – one in five consumers (20 percent) say they expect to feel stressed this Christmas, a marked increase from one in seven (14 percent) last year. However, hope is still high, as half (52 percent) of consumers are optimistic that they’ll be able to celebrate Christmas as usual this year, and over a quarter (27 percent) think Christmas will feel exciting and a big occasion to look forward to. 

Additionally, there are still plenty of opportunities for brands and retailers during traditional retail moments, as half (50 percent) of consumers say they plan to take advantage of offers and deals this Black Friday to save money on gifts. 

The report further add that a third (32 percent) of consumers are planning to start their Christmas shopping earlier than last year, with three in 10 (29 percent) shoppers planning to start before the end of August. Such appetite to get going is unsurprising given the current context, as almost a third (30 percent) credit this early start to the impact of inflation on Christmas shopping. 

Upasana Gupta, GM, eBay ads UK, commented with many Brits more stressed and worried about their finances this Christmas, it’s clear that businesses need to be particularly sensitive to their moods and needs and adapt strategies accordingly.

“As well as appealing to their desire for good value, this means supporting shoppers in their quest to find the most special, meaningful or functional products that will help make this Christmas a merry one.”